The National tribune., 1887-07-07
"BLIND PATTERSON"
How His Big Pension Was Procured by Fraud

How His Big Pension Was Procured by Fraud.
The unusual prominence given this case in
the press, both from the large amount involved
and the arrest Of several persons connected with
its prosecution before the Pension Bureau,
makes IL a matter Of more than ordinary in
terest, and knowing that the readers Of THE
NATIONAL TRIBUNE prefer concise and care
ful statementOf the case TO extracts, a thorough
examination was made, with the following re-
suit:
Francis Patterson, who served in Co. G., 154th
N. Y, filed claim for pension in 1866, alleging
therein that while in Virginia with his COM
pany, in the line of duty, he contracted dis
ease of the eyes, which gradually grew worse
and finally resulted in total blindness. The
case took the usual course until about 1881,
when, the evidence filed not being deemed suf-
fcient 10 warrant its admission, IL was sent TO
the field for special examination, and after such
examination by three Examiners was rejected,
the cause being that the blindness was not
shown 10 have been contracted in the line Of
duty In the army.
1t remained in this condition for years.
Recently the affidavits Of comrades were re-
ceived in the case, showing that the disability
alleged did exist prior to the soldiers leaving
the service, and showing further when and how
the same was contracted, and these with an
amended record from the War Department
overcame the objections and adverse testimony
in the case. Afidayits and letters were also
received from people Of undoubted standing in
the community in which Patterson had resided
for years, showing his pitiable and destitute
condition, and upon these the case was made
special, and, after the usual requirements were
complied with, was admitted and the pension
certificate sent TO the Pension Agent at Syra-
cuse, n. Y, for the payment OF the money TO
the pensioner, the first payment amounting 10
over $4,000.
Some delay in making payment was caused
by the reception of a complaint by the Pension
Agent that the pensioner was insane, and that
guardian would be appointed; but nothing ap-
pearing IN the papers 10 substantiate such a
condition Of Patterson, payment was made in
the usual way.
After the money was thus secured, IL appears
that one DIR. Mills, Of Elmira, who is now
charged with securing false affidavits TO insure
the admission Of the claim, procured power
Of attorney from the pensioner for $4,000
which he obtained, and left that section OF
country.
About this time information was received
In which it was alleged that fraud had been
practced upon the Government, and the Specia
Examination Branch Of the Pension Bureau
was al once put In active operation to find tn,
full facts in the case and secure, il possible
the guilty parties and the money obtained b,
them.
/ In very short time word was received from
one Of the examiners that he had secured Tn,
arrest OF two OF the parties charged with ques
tionable activity in the matter in Virginia, ant
had recovered nearly s., 200 Of the money-oVe
81 600 being in gold, and creating the impres
sion that the parties intended leaving tn
country. Subsequent investigations located
large portion Of the remaining money where
can ultimately be obtained, and the Govern
ment viii lose but little, If any, Of the larg
amount paid out for this pension.
Such prompt and efficient work of the Pen
sion Bureau show that while il cannot preven
the presentation Of false claims for pension, an
afiidavits 10 support the same, il is almost cer
tain that such fraud will be detected and th
guilty partics-brought TO punishment.
Dr. Mills, the person charged as being th
principal in this fraud, claims that an investiga
tiOn will show that he has acted properly i
the matter. He was carried back 10 Elmir
last Saturday, aud a further investigation
now in progress by the Bureau officials, an
whether the fraud has been practiced agains
the pensioner or the Government, the Pensio
Bureau will exert its best efforts in securin
the conviction and punishment Of the guilt
parties.
A report just received at the Pension Burea
shows that several Of the aiidayits are fal,
beyond doubt, and the guilty parties are no
/, in custody in the aforementioned city, an
about $4,000 OF the money paid secured.